Robert Southwell

SOUTHWELL, Robert (St Robert Southwell). b. Horsham St Faith, Norfolk, 1561; d. London, 21 February 1595. From a prominent Norfolk Catholic family, he was probably educated at home, and later at the English College at Douai (1576-78), followed by training at the Jesuit College at Rome (1578-86). He became a priest in 1584, returning to England as a missionary in 1586. After some years in considerable danger, he was betrayed and arrested in June 1592. Sent to the Tower and to Newgate Prison, he was tortured and kept in solitary confinement. His trial took place in February 1595, and he was sentenced to be hung, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn. Since that time he has been regarded by the...

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